The Women Business Owners, one of Puget Sound’s leading organization for women entrepreneurs, has named Eastsound business owner Jill Blankenship as one of five finalists for the 2014 Nellie Cashman Woman Business Owner of the Year Awards Competition (‘The Nellie’).

Since 1982, The Nellie has recognized and honored Puget Sound region women business owners who have enhanced the status of community.

To qualify, a nominee must own at least 51 percent of her business and have owned it for five years or more. She must also have demonstrated community commitment, financial and management skills, and have taken the difficult risk to achieve her success.

The 2014 Nellie winner will be announced at a gala awards banquet on Thursday, Oct. 2 at the Four Seasons Seattle. Tickets are available at: https://womenbusinessowners.org/events/nellie-cashman-woman-business-owner-of-the-year-award-gala/.

As CEO of Frontline Call Center, Blankenship moved to Orcas Island in 1998 and recognized its economic dependency as a tourist destination. She created Frontline Call Center as a response to the need for steady year-round island-based employment.

In addition to the call center, she has been an active member of the San Juan County community for 14 years serving in various community leadership positions including the Orcas Island Chamber of Commerce and the San Juan County Economic Development Council. Her passion for helping others led her to be the philanthropist behind Orcas Angels, whose mission is to serve the economic needs of island citizens and develop partnerships with other charities, thus meeting needs that aren’t met by traditional state and government resources.

“Being named a finalist for the Nellie Cashman Awards has allowed me to meet some amazing women whom I truly admire and from whom I’ve learned so much,” said Blankenship. “The personal growth that I have achieved and the opportunity to share this experience with my peers is a reward that I will cherish. I have gained experience in networking, communication and business processes, and with each event I have left with knowledge that has positively impacted my business.”